Resistance Training Footwear

ABSTRACT

A resistance training footwear comprises a tension bearing connector to removably couple with an elastic resistance band. The resistance training footwear may be a resistance training shoe having a tension bearing connector fixed to an outsole of the shoe, a resistance training shoe having a tension bearing connector fixed to an upper of the shoe, a resistance training sandal having a tension bearing connector fixed to an outsole of the sandal, or a resistance training sandal having a tension bearing connector fixed to straps of the sandal, for example.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/535,533 filed on Sep. 16, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Exercise equipment exists that use resistance systems to strength train a musculoskeletal system of a user. Resistance systems exist that use elastic bands and a variety of accessories. The accessories endeavor to provide a user with ergonomic strength training motions. For example, resistance systems exist that include handles and/or ankle straps which are attached to an elastic band. The handle provides for a more ergonomic strength training motion than gripping an end of an elastic band. The ankle strap provides for a more ergonomic strength training motion than tying an elastic band to an ankle. While these accessories may provide for more ergonomic strength training motions, they are still very coarse and do not provide precise ergonomic strength training motions. For example, an ankle of a user attached to an ankle strap attached to an elastic band may simply provide a coarse motion usable to generally strength train the muscles of the thigh but may fail to provide a more precise motion usable to specifically strength train a particular muscle of the muscles of the thigh. For example, the ankle strap may fail to provide a user with a precise motion usable to specifically target one of the four quadriceps muscles.

Accordingly there remains a need in the art for improved exercise equipment using resistance systems that provide a more precise motion usable to specifically strength train a particular muscle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example resistance training system comprising resistance training footwear removably coupled with elastic resistance bands.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation of a resistance training shoe comprising a tension bearing connector fixed to an outsole of the resistance training shoe.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation of the resistance training shoe of FIG. 1 having the tension bearing connector fixed to the upper.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of a resistance training sandal comprising the tension bearing connector fixed to the outsole of the resistance training sandal.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of the resistance training sandal of FIG. 4 having the tension bearing connector fixed to the straps of the resistance training sandal.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an outsole assembly comprising an outsole and a tension bearing connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

This disclosure is directed to resistance training footwear comprising a tension bearing connector fixed to a portion of the resistance training footwear. The resistance training footwear to removably coupled with an elastic resistance band. For example, the tension bearing connector may provide for a user to selectively and removably connect an elastic resistance band to the tension bearing connector. A user may selectively and removably connect an elastic resistance band to the tension bearing connector based at least in part on the user's desire to specifically strength train a particular muscle and/or muscle group.

In one embodiment, the resistance training footwear may comprise a resistance training shoe. The resistance training shoe may comprise an outsole and the tension bearing connector may be fixed to the outsole. The tension bearing connector may comprise loop members protruding from an outside wall of the outsole. The protruding loop members may be fixed to a lateral portion and a medial portion of the outsole. Further, the protruding loop members may be fixed to a toe portion and a heel portion of the outsole. A user may selectively and removably connect an elastic resistance band to at least one protruding loop member based at least in part on the user's desire to specifically strength train a particular muscle and/or muscle group.

In another embodiment, the resistance training shoe may comprise an upper fixed above an outsole and the tension bearing connector may be fixed to the upper. The tension bearing connector may comprise loop members. The loop members may be fixed to a lateral portion and a medial portion of the upper. Further, the loop members may be fixed to a toe portion and a heel portion of the upper.

In another embodiment, the resistance training footwear may comprise a resistance training sandal. The resistance training sandal may comprise an outsole and the tension bearing connector may be fixed to the outsole. In yet another embodiment, the resistance training sandal may comprise straps fixed to an outsole and the tension bearing connectors may be fixed to the straps.

While shown in four locations (i.e., medial, lateral, toe, and heel), the tension bearing connectors may additionally or alternatively be located at other locations on a shoe, sandal, or other footwear. For example, the tension bearing connectors may be located on the right toe, left toe, right heel, left heel, bridge of foot, tongue of footwear, etc. While the foregoing embodiments of resistance bearing connectors have been described, these are merely examples of resistance bearing connectors that can be used and other resistance bearing connectors may also be used. For example the resistance bearing connectors may comprise a plurality of rings, loops, eye bolts, o-rings, quick release snaps, quick release snap hooks, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.

Because the resistance training footwear provide for selectively and removably connecting with resistance bands of resistance systems, the resistance training footwear provide precise ergonomic strength training motions usable to specifically strength train a particular muscle. For example, a user may simply select a tension bearing connector fixed to a toe portion, a heel portion, a lateral portion, or a medial portion of the resistance training footwear and removably couple with the selected tension bearing connector to strength train a specific muscle and/or muscle group. As such, a user may properly perform more ergonomic strength training resistance exercises.

While the illustrated embodiments show tension bearing connectors fixed to a portion of footwear, the tension bearing connectors may be a cooperating unit removably couplable with cooperating footwear. For example, the footwear may be a first cooperating portion and the tension bearing connectors may be a second cooperating portion, each portion having cooperating fasteners (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener, a quick-disconnect fastener, press-fit fastener, a snap-fit fastener, an interference fit fastener, a twist lock fastener, or the like). A user may simply put the footwear on the foot and step onto the cooperating tension bearing connectors. The user may then subsequently start resistance training. Further, the tension bearing connectors may be a unit that provides for removably coupling with a commercial off the shelf (COTS) shoe.

Example Resistance Training Footwear

FIG. 1 illustrates an example resistance training system 102 comprising resistance training footwear 104 removably coupled with elastic resistance bands 106(A) and 106(B). The resistance bands 106(A) and 106(B) may be commercial off the shelf (COTS) resistance bands which are available in a variety sizes and stiffness (e.g., tension weights). For example the resistance bands 106(A) and 106(B) may be a type 30 orange, a type 23 black, a type 19 red, a type 13 green, a type 7 yellow, a type 5 blue, etc. The resistance training system 102 may further comprise a resistance anchor system 108. The resistance anchor system 108 may comprise anchors 110(1), 110(2), 110(3), 110(4), 110(5), and 110(N) fixed to the resistance anchor system 108. The anchors 110(1)-110(N) may be fixed to the resistance anchor system 108 to provide for an array 112 of locations based at least in part on ergonomic strength training motions usable to specifically strength train a particular muscle and/or a muscle group. For example, the anchors 110(1)-110(N) may comprise an array 112 comprising first, second, and third pairs of anchors 110(1) and 110(4), 110(2) and 110(5), and 110(3) and 110(N), respectively, fixed to the resistance anchor system 108. The first, second, and third pairs of anchors 110(1) and 110(4), 110(2) and 110(5), and 110(3) and 110(N) may be fixed to a bottom portion 114(A), a middle portion 114(B), and a top portion 114(C), respectively of the resistance anchor system 108. For example, the bottom first pair of anchors 110(1) and 110(4) may be located at least about 6 inches (15 centimeters) from a bottom 116 of the resistance anchor system 108. The second pair of anchors 110(2) and 110(5) may be fixed above the first pair of anchors by at least about 12 inches (30 centimeters). The third pair of anchors 110(3) and 110(N) may be fixed above the second pair of anchors by at least about 12 inches (30 centimeters). Each of the first, second, and third pairs of anchors 110(1) and 110(4), 110(2) and 110(5), and 110(3) and 110(N), respectively, may be separated by a distance 118 of at least about 18 inches (46 centimeters). While the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the array 112 comprising pairs of anchors, this is merely an example of one potential array of anchors 110(1)-110(N). For example, the anchors 110(1)-110(N) may be arranged in an array having any number of groupings and/or geometries suitable to provide a user with a variety of anchor locations for ergonomic strength training motions. Further, while FIG. 1 illustrates the resistance anchor system 108 as generally comprising a wall, the resistance anchor system 108 may be a resistance anchor floor, a resistance chair, a resistance frame, a portion of a structure (e.g., a door of a house), or the like suitable for a user to perform resistance exercises.

FIG. 1 illustrates a user 120 having removably coupled the resistance training footwear 104 with the resistance bands 106(A) and 106(B) via a tension bearing connector 122. The tension bearing connector 122 may be fixed to a portion of the resistance training footwear 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation of a resistance training shoe 202 comprising tension bearing connectors 204(1), 204(2), 204(3), and 204(N) fixed to an outsole 206 of the resistance training shoe 202. The tension bearing connectors 204(1), 204(2), 204(3), and 204(N) may be loops, hooks, rings, or the like. The plurality of tension bearing connectors 204(1)-204(N) collectively defining a tension bearing connector 204. The resistance training shoe 202 may comprise an upper 208 for receiving a foot of a user. The resistance training shoe 202 may comprise a lateral portion 210 adjacent to a medial portion 212. The lateral portion 210 being on the outside of the resistance training shoe 202 and the medial portion 212 being on the inside of the resistance training shoe 202. The resistance training shoe 202 may also comprise a toe portion 214 opposite a heel portion 216. The toe portion 214 being on the front of the resistance training shoe 202 and the heel portion 216 being on the back of the resistance training shoe 202.

The outsole 206 may comprise an outside wall 218 arranged around a perimeter 220 of the outsole 206. The tension bearing connector 204 may be fixed to the outside wall 218. The outsole 206 may be the portion of the resistance training shoe 202 in direct contact with the ground. The outsole 206 may be formed of a polymer (e.g., a rubber, an ethylene-vinyl acetate, a nylon, etc.). While four loop members 204(1)-204(N) are shown as protruding from the outside wall 218 generally at the heel portion 216, the medial portion 212, the toe portion 214, and the lateral portion 210, respectively, any number of loop members 204(1)-204(N) may protrude from any portion of the outside wall 218. For example, two, three, four, etc., loop members 204(1)-204(N) may protrude from either or both the lateral portion 210 and the medial portion 212.

The loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of the same material as the upper 208. For example, the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of a textile (e.g., synthetic textiles), a polymer (e.g., a nylon, a Kevlar, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc.), a composite, or the like. Further, the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of the same material as the outsole 206. For example, the loop members may be formed of a polymer (e.g., a rubber, an ethylene-vinyl acetate, a nylon, etc.). Further, the outsole 206 and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of a single unit of polymer. For example, the outsole 206 and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be injection molded as a single unit. Further, the outsole 206 may be formed of one polymer and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of another polymer different from the first polymer. For example, the outsole 206 may be injection over-molded or co-molded together with the loop members 204(1)-204(N). Still further, the outsole 206 may be formed of a polymer and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of a leather, natural fibers (e.g., canvas, burlap, etc.), or a metal.

While FIG. 2 illustrates the upper 208 fixed above the outsole 206, any number of different layers may be fixed above the outsole 206. For example, a midsole, an insole, a welt, a lining, a vamp, a tongue, or the like may be fixed above the outsole 206. Further, the tension bearing connector 204 may be fixed to any other portion of the resistance training shoe 202. For example, the tension bearing connector 204 may be fixed to the welt and/or fixed to any other additional layer of the resistance training shoe 202.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation of the resistance training shoe 202 of FIG. 2 having the tension bearing connector 204 fixed to the upper 208. The upper 208 may comprise a supple material for receiving a foot of a user and may be fixed above the outsole 206. For example, the upper 208 may be formed of a textile, a polymer, a composite (e.g., a textile and a polymer or multiple polymers) or the like fixed above the outsole 206. The loop members 204(1)-204(N) may protrude from the upper 208 and may be formed of a supple material (e.g., textile or a polymer), or the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of an inflexible material (e.g., a plastic, a composite, or a metal). For example, the upper 208 and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of the same supple textile or polymer. Alternatively, the upper 208 may be formed of a supple textile and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of a rigid plastic.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of a resistance training sandal 402 comprising the tension bearing connector 204 fixed to the outsole 206 of the resistance training sandal 402. The resistance training sandal 402 comprising straps 404(A) and 404(B) fixed above the outsole 206. While FIG. 4 illustrates the resistance training sandal 402 comprising a heel strap 404(A) and a toe strap 404(B), the resistance training sandal 402 may comprise any size, shape, and configuration of straps. For example, the resistance training sandal 402 may further comprise lateral and/or medial straps connected with the toe strap 404(A) and the heel strap 404(B).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of the resistance training sandal 402 of FIG. 4 having the tension bearing connector 204 fixed to the straps 404(A) and 404(B) of the resistance training sandal 402. The straps 404(A) and 404(B) may be formed of a supple material for receiving a foot of a user. For example, the straps 404(A) and 404(B) may be formed of a textile, a polymer, a composite (e.g., a textile and a polymer or multiple polymers) or the like fixed above the outsole 206. The loop members 204(1)-204(N) may protrude from the straps 404(A) and 404(B) and may be formed of a supple material (e.g., textile or a polymer). Further, the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of an inflexible material (e.g., a plastic, a composite, or a metal). For example, the straps 404(A) and 404(B) and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of the same supple textile or polymer. Alternatively, the straps 404(A) and 404(B) may be formed of a supple textile and the loop members 204(1)-204(N) may be formed of a rigid plastic.

While six loop members 204(1)-204(N) are shown as protruding from the straps 404(A) and 404(B), any number of loop members 204(1)-204(N) may protrude from any portion of the straps 404(A) and 404(B). For example, the resistance training sandal 402 may further comprise lateral and/or medial straps connected with the toe strap 404(A) and the heel strap 404(B), and loop members may protrude from the lateral and/or medial straps.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a construction of an outsole assembly 602 comprising an outsole 604 and tension bearing connectors 606(1), 606(2), 606(3), and 606(N). The plurality of tension bearing connectors 606(1)-606(N) collectively defining a tension bearing connector 606. The outsole 604 may comprise an outside wall 608 arranged around a perimeter 610 of the outsole 604. The outsole 604 may be formed of a polymer capable of being molded about the tension bearing connector 606. For example, the tension bearing connector 606 may be formed of a polymer which is capable of maintaining its shape during an injection over-molding manufacturing process. Specifically, the tension bearing connector 606 is capable of maintaining its shape when the outsole 604 is injection over-molded about the tension bearing connector 606. Further, the tension bearing connector 606 may be formed of a textile or a metal and the outsole 604 may be formed of a polymer capable of being molded about the tension bearing connector 606. Further, the outsole 604 and the tension bearing connector 606 may be formed of a polymer as a single unit. For example, the outsole 604 and the tension bearing connector 606 may be a single unit formed by an injection molding manufacturing process. The tension bearing connector 606 may protrude from the outside wall 608 of the outsole 604 to provide for removably coupling with elastic resistance bands.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A resistance training shoe for removably coupling with an elastic resistance band, the resistance training shoe comprising: an outsole; and a tension bearing connector fixed to the outsole.
 2. The resistance training shoe of claim 1, wherein the outsole comprises an outside wall arranged around a perimeter of the outsole, and wherein the tension bearing connector is fixed to the outside wall.
 3. The resistance training shoe of claim 2, wherein the outsole is formed of a polymer and the tension bearing connector comprises loop members protruding from the outside wall.
 4. The resistance training shoe of claim 3, wherein the outsole is formed of the polymer and the loop members are formed of a textile.
 5. The resistance training shoe of claim 3, wherein the outsole and the loop members are formed of a single unit of polymer.
 6. The resistance training shoe of claim 3, wherein the outsole is formed of the polymer and the loop members are formed of another polymer different from the polymer.
 7. The resistance training shoe of claim 3, wherein the outsole is formed of the polymer and the loop members are formed of a leather, a canvas, a nylon, or a metal.
 8. A resistance training shoe for removably coupling with an elastic resistance band, the resistance training shoe comprising: an upper fixed above an outsole; and a tension bearing connector fixed to the upper.
 9. The resistance training shoe of claim 8, wherein the upper is formed of a supple material and the outsole is formed of a polymer and the tension bearing connector comprises loop members protruding from the upper.
 10. The resistance training shoe of claim 9, wherein the loop members are formed of the supple material.
 11. The resistance training shoe of claim 10, wherein the supple material comprises a textile or a polymer.
 12. The resistance training shoe of claim 9, wherein the loop members are formed of a inflexible material.
 13. The resistance training shoe of claim 12, wherein the inflexible material comprises a plastic, a composite, or a metal.
 14. A resistance training sandal for removably coupling with an elastic resistance band, the resistance training sandal comprising: straps fixed above an outsole; and a tension bearing connector fixed to the outsole.
 15. The resistance training sandal of claim 14, wherein the outsole comprises an outside wall arranged around a perimeter of the outsole, and wherein the tension bearing connector is fixed to the outside wall.
 16. The resistance training sandal of claim 15, wherein the outsole is formed of a polymer and the tension bearing connector comprises loop members protruding from the outside wall.
 17. The resistance training sandal of claim 16, wherein the outsole is formed of the polymer and the loop members are formed of a textile.
 18. The resistance training sandal of claim 16, wherein the outsole and the loop members are formed of a single unit of the polymer.
 19. The resistance training sandal of claim 16, wherein the outsole is formed of the polymer and the loop members are formed of another polymer different from the polymer.
 20. The resistance training sandal of claim 16, wherein the outsole is formed of the polymer and the loop members are formed of a leather, a plastic, or a metal.
 21. A resistance training sandal for removably coupling with an elastic resistance band, the resistance training sandal comprising: straps fixed above an outsole; and a tension bearing connector fixed to the straps.
 22. The resistance training sandal of claim 21, wherein the straps are formed of a supple material and the outsole is formed of a polymer and the tension bearing connector comprises loop members protruding from each of the straps.
 23. The resistance training sandal of claim 22, wherein the loop members are formed of the supple material.
 24. The resistance training sandal of claim 23, wherein the loop members and the straps are formed as a single unit of the supple material.
 25. The resistance training sandal of claim 23, wherein the supple material comprises a textile or a polymer.
 26. The resistance training sandal of claim 22, wherein the loop members are formed of an inflexible material.
 27. The resistance training sandal of claim 26, wherein the inflexible material comprises a plastic, a composite, or a metal.
 28. A resistance training footwear for removably coupling with an elastic resistance band, the resistance training footwear comprising: a lateral portion adjacent to a medial portion; and a tension bearing connector fixed to the lateral and medial portions.
 29. The resistance training footwear of claim 28, further comprising a toe portion opposite a heel portion, and wherein the tension bearing connector is further fixed to the toe and heel portions.
 30. The resistance training footwear of claim 29, further comprising an outsole having an outside wall, and wherein the tension bearing connector is fixed to the lateral and medial portions of the outside wall of the outsole and fixed to the toe and heel portions of the outside wall of the outsole.
 31. The resistance training footwear of claim 29, further comprising an upper fixed above an outsole, and wherein the tension bearing connector is fixed to the lateral and medial portions of the upper and fixed to the toe and heel portions of the upper.
 32. The resistance training footwear of claim 28 wherein, the tension bearing connector comprises a plurality of loops formed of a textile.
 33. The resistance training footwear of claim 28 wherein, the tension bearing connector comprises a plurality of rings formed of a plastic, a rubber, or a metal.
 34. A resistance training footwear for removably coupling with an elastic resistance band, the resistance training footwear comprising: a tension bearing connector fixed to a portion of the resistance training footwear, the tension bearing connector to removably couple with the elastic resistance band.
 35. The resistance training footwear of claim 34, further comprising an outsole having an outside wall, and wherein the tension bearing connector is fixedly arranged around the outside wall of the outsole.
 36. The resistance training footwear of claim 34, further comprising an upper fixed above an outsole, and wherein the tension bearing connector is fixed to the upper.
 37. The resistance training footwear of claim 34 wherein, the tension bearing connector comprises a plurality of loops formed of a textile.
 38. The resistance training footwear of claim 34 wherein, the tension bearing connector comprises a plurality of rings formed of a plastic, a rubber, or a metal. 